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[outunderthestars]

random coffee question:

I bought a vacuum bottle to take coffee to class in the mornings. Can I put milk in with the coffee and have it taste ok/be safe several hours later?

 

[Dice]

Some of the really high-end coffee shops have started to roast their beans very, very lightly. They only do it with the best beans, and the result (usually using an aeropress or similar) looks and tastes more like tea than black coffee. It's done to bring out the differences between beans from different estates. When you make a dark roast, many of these characteristics are destroyed. It's kinda interesting, since these drinks made on very lightly roasted, high quality beans go against the common expectation about how a coffee "should be": dark, bitter and strong.

Starbucks has slowly shaped the American palette to prefer darker roasts. It wasn't hard since Folgers and Maxwell House did this already for a sort of different demographic. They did this since burning the shit out of the beans to begin with makes their death less noticeable so they can sit on shelves for months. Lighter roasts, freshly roasted are much better, but I'm not going to use hyperbole like the obviously-marketing small roasters will in trying to draw people away from what they've become comfortable with.

 

[outunderthestars]

Starbucks has slowly shaped the American palette to prefer darker roasts. It wasn't hard since Folgers and Maxwell House did this already for a sort of different demographic. They did this since burning the shit out of the beans to begin with makes their death less noticeable so they can sit on shelves for months. Lighter roasts, freshly roasted are much better, but I'm not going to use hyperbole like the obviously-marketing small roasters will in trying to draw people away from what they've become comfortable with.

I just found out that my local roaster has a monthly tasting so you can try a dozen or so different blends and roasts. I am really excited to go and learn more about what I like.

 

[AbsoluteZero]

$38.00 a month seems like alot for coffee.

$9.50 a week. If it includes shipping (And includes/excludes tax), that's only a dollar or two more than your standard bag of Starbucks at Wal-Mart.

 

[Dice]

I bought a vacuum bottle to take coffee to class in the mornings. Can I put milk in with the coffee and have it taste ok/be safe several hours later?

If by "vacuum bottle" you mean thermos, make sure it isn't glass inside or the temperature difference from cooling over several hours will draw too much pressure and shatter it inside.

The flavor of coffee will always transform over several hours because of microscopic shit. This shit is hard to explain, but the short solution is that just a little bit of salt mixed in well will neutralize this shit and get it "close enough" to the original flavor. Just don't put in too much because you don't want salty coffee, it's all microscopic biology stuff. Also, only use sea salt, unless you like the taste of iodine for some sick reason. Some people like to brew their coffee with salt up front, similar to the way quality chocolates use a bit of salt.

 

[morningbus]

Every place I've bought a Canadiano was exactly the same as an Americano. What you're describing is a Red Eye.

Then the places you've been are wrong. It's another name for it (that I prefer because it mimics the Americano naming convention). I even called it a red eye in that post, too, just in case.

 

[Deefuzz]

If you have a Meijer near you, get their store brand, the Costa Rica High Ground (blue bag, not La Sonrisa) from their Gold selection. If you do get a grinder, get their Organic House Blend whole beans (outstanding for the price), not to be confused with their normal house blend.

Seattle's Best #3 is also good... or at least I think it is 3, maybe it's 2... It's very smooth and nutty. Almost a little too smooth, so sometimes I would mix the grounds with the Meijer Gold Costa Rican grounds, which are brighter and more complex. When it gets bitter cold, I actually like Starbucks Yukon blend. It's really... hearty.

Thanks (for this and the previous post, very informative!)

No Meijer nearby, but I am quite familiar with them and I am in the vicinity of one about once a month (when we go visit the in-laws) so I will give it a look when I can.

But I am sure I have seen Seattle's Best in a store before. Smooth and nutty sounds real good to me. Seriously, thanks for the advice, I will give a few of these a shot and branch out a little bit more.

 

[andycapps]

Then the places you've been are wrong. It's another name for it (that I prefer because it mimics the Americano naming convention). I even called it a red eye in that post, too, just in case.

I've heard several things, but this is the first I've ever heard it called a red eye. Shot in the dark is another way. Local place here calls it a 7:01 AM. Either way, it is a fine drink.

 

[NewFresh]

it's all microscopic biology stuff.

The sodium (Na+) ion reduces the bitter taste by interfering with the transduction mechanism of that bitter coffee taste.

A pinch of kosher salt is a great tip by that way

 

[MIKEAL]

Anyone in here ever try Alterra Coffee? I work there, its a Milwaukee shop thats really popular up here. Right now I'm drinking some Rwandan Coffee, its a really light roast, light body, but has plenty of flavor. My preference though would be a medium roast, with a heavy and acidic body.

 

[NewFresh]

Anyone in here ever try Alterra Coffee? I work there, its a Milwaukee shop thats really popular up here. Right now I'm drinking some Rwandan Coffee, its a really light roast, light body, but has plenty of flavor. My preference though would be a medium roast, with a heavy and acidic body.

YES! Alterra has some great coffee. I haven't been there in a years or so, but whenever I am in Milwaukee I always go there (Lakefront especially).

 

[verbum]

French press for enjoyment, programmed drip in the morning (so it is ready when I wake up).

Various brands of beans. More of a caffeine addict than a taster.

 

[andycapps]

No, but that organic house blend is and it's shockingly good. Just squeeze some air out of the bag in the store if you don't believe me. The smell will sell itself.

I got some of this last night. Fantastic cup of coffee this morning. Thanks!

 

[chrisisawesome]

I love my nespresso machine and the coffee it makes, but damn, the coffee is expensive in comparison to the beans.

I was looking at the package last time i bought some: 50g of coffee per sleeve of 10 capsules. The cost is about 7$.

You can buy some good starbucks espresso roast at costco for about 20$/2kg!
That equates to Nespresso coffee being about 40x as expensive...

Anyways, just a little rant. I dont think I'd ever stop with the machine, that is until it breaks. Its a neat little device and incredibly convenient (especially if you're mainly just 1 person drinking from it) but I think the next machine I get is one of those awesome Saeco's like my parents have. Those things are legit.

 

[andycapps]

I love my nespresso machine and the coffee it makes, but damn, the coffee is expensive in comparison to the beans.

I was looking at the package last time i bought some: 50g of coffee per sleeve of 10 capsules. The cost is about 7$.

You can buy some good starbucks espresso roast at costco for about 20$/2kg!
That equates to Nespresso coffee being about 40x as expensive...

Anyways, just a little rant. I dont think I'd ever stop with the machine, that is until it breaks. Its a neat little device and incredibly convenient (especially if you're mainly just 1 person drinking from it) but I think the next machine I get is one of those awesome Saeco's like my parents have. Those things are legit.

That is really expensive. For my french press, I usually put 34 grams of coffee in it per day for 16 ounces of water. For the bag I bought last night, that probably costs me about $.50 or so, but that's almost as much as your entire $7 package of those capsules. Obviously you're paying for the convenience.

 

[TheExodu5]

I love my nespresso machine and the coffee it makes, but damn, the coffee is expensive in comparison to the beans.

I was looking at the package last time i bought some: 50g of coffee per sleeve of 10 capsules. The cost is about 7$.

You can buy some good starbucks espresso roast at costco for about 20$/2kg!
That equates to Nespresso coffee being about 40x as expensive...

Anyways, just a little rant. I dont think I'd ever stop with the machine, that is until it breaks. Its a neat little device and incredibly convenient (especially if you're mainly just 1 person drinking from it) but I think the next machine I get is one of those awesome Saeco's like my parents have. Those things are legit.

Wait...each capsule is 5g? How does that even make sense? I use a medium amount...roughly 18-20g for a cup of coffee through my aeropress.

That is really expensive. For my french press, I usually put 34 grams of coffee in it per day for 16 ounces of water. For the bag I bought last night, that probably costs me about $.50 or so, but that's almost as much as your entire $7 package of those capsules. Obviously you're paying for the convenience.

Sadly my locally roasted coffee ends up being pretty expensive. 1lb is $20, so each cup ends up costing near $1. Damn good stuff, though.

 

[andycapps]

Sadly my locally roasted coffee ends up being pretty expensive. 1lb is $20, so each cup ends up costing near $1. Damn good stuff, though.

Wow, that is steep. Most places that roast their own beans around here are between $10-12.

 

[Deefuzz]

Wow, I never realized what a big deal a grinder was. Based on some responses in this thread I did a little more digging. Found a great guide from Coffee Geek about it. Basically saying to drop a fair amount of coin on one and explained the importance.

So I assume that it's best to grind the beans per cup right before you make it? Don't bring the beans home, grind them all, and store them? There seems to be a great emphasis on keeping things fresh so I would assume I should focus on grinding just enough for my cup right before brewing.

I've been drinking coffee for about 16-17 years now, and it's sad how little I actually seem to know about it!

 

[andycapps]

Wow, I never realized what a big deal a grinder was. Based on some responses in this thread I did a little more digging. Found a great guide from Coffee Geek about it. Basically saying to drop a fair amount of coin on one and explained the importance.

So I assume that it's best to grind the beans per cup right before you make it? Don't bring the beans home, grind them all, and store them? There seems to be a great emphasis on keeping things fresh so I would assume I should focus on grinding just enough for my cup right before brewing.

I've been drinking coffee for about 16-17 years now, and it's sad how little I actually seem to know about it!

Yeah you should grind enough of them for you to use right then. This is what I got, and it has been fantastic. If you can't afford that or something better, your best bet is probably one of those manual grinders that are pretty inexpensive and supposedly do a great job. You can get a cheap blade grinder, but they're very inconsistent in their results (I had one before) and I don't think you'll get the full benefit unless you get something decent.

 

[saltinekracka]

Loved the Kauai coffee I picked up when in Hawaii last year. Not sure if it's the flavor or the memories that make it taste so fantastic.

 

[abasm]

Has anyone else here tried the Starbucks Blonde roast? It's really weird, because it lacks any sort of smokiness or bite, but it's not bad. It's also extremely caffeinated--I had trouble getting to sleep the night after I had one, and I'm a pretty regular drinker.

I grind the beans before I brew, then use an aeropress. I'm not too picky about grind quality (fine enough to stick to the inside of the grinder) or temperature (steamy but not boiling), and I still brew a pretty excellent cup. I usually only have one cup in the morning with breakfast, and prefer darker roasts. (I'd rather have flavor before caffeine.)

 

[Deleted member 22576]

Drinking crappy drip coffee that tastes like chlorine. Its still pretty good though.

 

[BobDylan]

I started loving coffee a little while back after my parents picked up a keurig. Thing makes some really great coffee. The only problem I have with coffee is every once in a while it will give me a stomach ache. feels bad man

 

[TheExodu5]

If you want to drop money on a good grinder, I may suggest looking at a little known secret: Baratza refurbs. For example, you can get this $250 Virtuoso for $170 if you get a refurb. Or, you can get the $145 Maestro Plus for $95 (currently OoS, but keep checking).

I got my Virtuoso refurb 6 months ago or so for $145 (I guess the price changed a bit). It's been a great grinder.

The only thing to note is that if you want to do legitimate espresso, you need to spend a bit more money and go to a Precisio.

If you want one of the best grinders out there that I've seen nothing but praise for, check out the Rancilio Rocky, but you'll be paying a pretty penny for it.

If you want to see some reviews, check out the Seattle Coffee Gear videos on YouTube. I find them quite informative.

 

[SRG01]

Starbucks has slowly shaped the American palette to prefer darker roasts. It wasn't hard since Folgers and Maxwell House did this already for a sort of different demographic. They did this since burning the shit out of the beans to begin with makes their death less noticeable so they can sit on shelves for months. Lighter roasts, freshly roasted are much better, but I'm not going to use hyperbole like the obviously-marketing small roasters will in trying to draw people away from what they've become comfortable with.

I'm not sure it was that way. When I worked at Starbucks back in the day, the bolder coffees were always preferred over the light ones even if the good ones were offered. I think it's more that Starbucks is catering to that market rather than them pushing the market in that direction.

 

[Helscream]

God bless strong coffee. Nothing like drinking gear oil to help you get your day started.

 

[NewFresh]

r, you can get the $145 Maestro Plus for $95 (currently OoS, but keep checking).

This is how I picked up my Maestro+, great grinder; though I wish I had a Precisio.

If you want to see some reviews, check out the Seattle Coffee Gear videos on YouTube. I find them quite informative.

<3 Gail and Kat

They make great videos of things I could never afford.

 

[AbsoluteZero]

If you want to drop money on a good grinder, I may suggest looking at a little known secret: Baratza refurbs. For example, you can get this $250 Virtuoso for $170 if you get a refurb. Or, you can get the $145 Maestro Plus for $95 (currently OoS, but keep checking).

I got my Virtuoso refurb 6 months ago or so for $145 (I guess the price changed a bit). It's been a great grinder.

The only thing to note is that if you want to do legitimate espresso, you need to spend a bit more money and go to a Precisio.

If you want one of the best grinders out there that I've seen nothing but praise for, check out the Rancilio Rocky, but you'll be paying a pretty penny for it.

If you want to see some reviews, check out the Seattle Coffee Gear videos on YouTube. I find them quite informative.

Jesus Christ almost $150 for a coffee grinder.

I'm fine with my little $10 Mr. Coffee grinder thank you very much. lol.

 

[AbsoluteZero]

So my Tonx sample arrived today. It's very obviously fresher in look and in smell. It seems "crisper" overall. Brewing up some now.

 

[TheExodu5]

Jesus Christ almost $150 for a coffee grinder.

I'm fine with my little $10 Mr. Coffee grinder thank you very much. lol.

You get what you pay for.

 

[Uchip]

I have like 4 strong cups per day
I think im addicted

what do

 

[POWERSPHERE]

Been using a Hario Syphon. The process is nearly as good as the coffee, it's like a mini science experiment every morning. Clean, strong & black. Kinda like an Aeropress flavor, but a bit smoother.

 

[VGChampion]

I have like 4 strong cups per day
I think im addicted

what do

Nothing.

 

[AbsoluteZero]

You get what you pay for.

You get ground coffee beans with both devices.

It's not something that's easy to screw up.

 

[TheExodu5]

You get ground coffee beans with both devices.

It's not something that's easy to screw up.

Blade grinders and burr grinders produce very different results. Blade grinders produce inconsistent grinds and heat/burn the coffee, destroying the flavor. Burr grinders give much better consistency. Higher end burr grinders allow for fine grinds, and are required if you're making espresso.

 

[Im_So_Pringles]

Am I the only one who is guilty of not drinking coffee but absolutely being in love with the smell? Every time I go to a local bookstore/Starbucks I fall in love with that heavenly aroma. Also, sometimes I make trips to the isle that has the coffee dispensers in Wal-Mart just to have a smell. hahaha

 

[Horse Detective]

Nvm this post. It is representative of a dumb ass opinion that needs to be edited out.

 

[AbsoluteZero]

So I'm diggin' the Tonx sample. It's not night & day better than your average store-bought coffee but it's pretty good.

I need to find a local roaster. It's fuckin' New Orleans so it shouldn't be too hard.

 

[HurricaneJesus]

I drink Kicking Horse extreme bold coffee either made in a percolator or press. I drink at least 3-5 cups every day. I actually only eat one meal a day, and the rest is coffee. It is the only thing that makes me happy at this moment.

Without coffee I would be lost.

 

[AbsoluteZero]

10pm? Perfect time for a cup!

 

[chrisisawesome]

Wait...each capsule is 5g? How does that even make sense? I use a medium amount...roughly 18-20g for a cup of coffee through my aeropress.



Sadly my locally roasted coffee ends up being pretty expensive. 1lb is $20, so each cup ends up costing near $1. Damn good stuff, though.

I know its pretty crazy when you think about it:

 

[NewFresh]

10pm? Perfect time for a cup!

There is never a bad time for a cup

 

[Seraphinianus]

Anyone ever put cinnamon powder in with their grounds in a drip machine? Feels good man.

It even makes crappy coffee better (like walgreens "Nice" brand coffee.) I just put in two shakes of powder on top.

 

[Thoraxes]

Anyone ever put cinnamon powder in with their grounds in a drip machine? Feels good man.

It even makes crappy coffee better (like walgreens "Nice" brand coffee.) I just put in two shakes of powder on top.

Even better, you should try buying the whole cinnamon sticks (not terribly expensive), cracking/crunching a stick, and using that in there. It's even better than the powder!

 

[J Tourettes]

What's the feeling on bean to cup machines? Have only started getting into coffee over the past year or so but they look good to me.

 

[anaron]

Someone recommend a good drip coffee maker.

 

[deadlast]

Someone recommend a good drip coffee maker.

I like my Mr. Coffee. It's cheap and it works.

 

[AkuMifune]

I've started cold-brewing my coffee overnight in a french press. Not sure if I'm doing it right or wrong, but I like it!

 

[Thenarus]

If quality results are what you're after, you'll be hard-pressed to find a better drip coffee maker than a Technivorm. They're not cheap, but the results are worth it if you're a coffee conoisseur.

 

[The_Inquisitor]

Anyone have a suggestion for a reasonably priced burr grinder to use with my keurig?